Accessibility
Making Theatre More Accessible
ArtsEmerson operates from the core belief that the arts are for everyone and offers the services described below.
To Purchase Accessible Seating Online
- Select GET TICKETS from the SHOWS & EVENTS menu above or click here.
- Select the event you are interested in attending. Click GET TICKETS to navigate directly to the ticket selection portion of the Event Page or click on LEARN MORE to view the full event page (you will have to scroll down to the Tickets section of the Event Page if you choose this option).
- From the Tickets section of the Event Page, click GET TICKETS next to the event date and time you are interested in booking.
- From the seat selection page, click SELECT YOUR OWN SEATS at the top of the page.
- Click the red PROMO CODE button and enter promo code ACCESS in the pop-up field that appears. Click GO.
- You will now have the ability to select and book accessible seating. There are a few types of Accessible seating available and the exact seats differ by venue. Hovering your mouse over a particular seat on the seat map will display any special info about that seat. All of the accessible seats are marked with descriptive text explaining the accessibility of the seat. You can see a full description of Accessible seat locations in our venues in the ACCESSIBLE SEATING LOCATIONS info section below.
Please note, this process is similar to but distinct from the process for booking seating for Open Caption or American Sign Language performances. To learn more about booking tickets in those sections when available, please see the dedicated info sections further down this page.
If you need assistance booking accessible seating or want more info on the booking process, please contact our Box Office at tickets@artsemerson.org or 617-824-8400.
For any general questions, information, or feedback regarding your visit, please contact access@artsemerson.org and a representative will reach back out to you promptly.
Accessible Services
Accessible Seating
ArtsEmerson’s theaters are wheelchair accessible. Please select wheelchair Accessible seating online or request wheelchair accessible locations when ordering tickets over the phone or in person.
Please note that at the Emerson Cutler Majestic wheelchair accessible locations are only located on the Orchestra level as this historic venue does not have an elevator to serve upper floors.
Accessible Seating Locations
Cutler Majestic Theatre
- Orchestra Row B Center – Blind/Low Vision Access: These seats are reserved for patrons who are Blind or Low Vision who need to be close to the stage.
- Orchestra Row J Sides – Removable Arm Rest: This seat has a removable arm rest on the aisle side to provide more space.
- Orchestra Row K Center and Sides – Wheelchair Accessible and Stairless Entry: These seats are accessible without climbing any stairs. Select seats are removed for guests who use a wheelchair.
Paramount Center, Robert J. Orchard Stage
- Orchestra Row B Center – Blind/Low Vision Access: These seats are reserved for patrons who are Blind or Low Vision who need to be close to the stage.
- Orchestra Row C Center – Removable Arm Rest: This seat has a removable arm rest on the aisle side to provide more space.
- Orchestra Row B Sides, Orchestra Row R Center, Balcony Row K Center – Wheelchair Accessible and Stairless Entry: These seats are accessible without climbing any stairs. Select seats are removed for guests who use a wheelchair.
Please note that seating configurations for the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre at the Paramount Center change with every show, but accessible seating is always available.
Accessible Restrooms
Wheelchair accessible public restrooms are available at both theatres.
ADA Parking
Vehicles displaying a valid ADA placard can find accessible parking spaces directly around the corner from the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre on Stuart Street in front of Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery.
The LAZ Garage, ArtsEmerson’s preferred parking partner, is also designed to accommodate accessibility needs. ArtsEmerson patrons receive a discounted flat rate of $14.75 for up to 12 hours of parking.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available at the Box Office in the lobby of the theatre free of charge at every performance. When you arrive at the theater, please ask an usher or member of our Box Office for a device.
Assistive Listening Devices amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Radio Frequency (RF) assistive listening systems are installed in all theatres and headsets may be used at any seat. Headsets with induction neck loops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a “T” switch.
Audio Description
Audio Described performances are offered for select projects during the season. Tickets for performances with Audio Description can be purchased at the box office, over the phone, or online. Audio Description is broadcast through our listening devices (see above); you may pick one up upon arrival at the theater on the day of the show.
Audio Description refers to an additional narration track intended primarily for blind and visually impaired consumers of visual media (including television and film, dance, opera, and visual art). It consists of a narrator talking through the presentation, describing what is happening on the screen or stage.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language performances are offered at select shows and events during the season. While the interpretation should be visible from all seats in the theater, we have designated seating with closer proximity to the interpreter marked as “ASL Seating Location” on the seating map. To purchase seating in the ASL section, enter Promo Code ACCESSASL on the seat selection page and choose a seat that is marked with the ASL Seating Location descriptive text – typically located on the Front Left or Right Side of the Orchestra level. This seating will provide an optimal view of the ASL interpreter.
For performances with General Admission seating, you will choose your seating location when you arrive at the theater so there is no designated seating at the time of the booking.
Skilled theatrical Interpreters work with a Deaf ASL Consultant to translate the production and use American Sign Language to interpret the performances on stage. The audience can see both the Interpreters and the stage action simultaneously.
Open Captioning
Open caption (OC) services are provided at select performances for patrons with slight to profound hearing loss. While the captions should be visible from most seats in the theater, we have designated seating that is most optimal for viewing both the stage and the caption board as “Open Caption Seats”. To purchase seating in the Open Caption section, enter Promo Code ACCESSOC on the seat selection page and choose a seat that is marked with the Open Caption Seat descriptive text – typically located on the Front Left or Right Side of the Orchestra level.
During open captioned performances an electronic text display is positioned to the side of the stage, which shows what the actors are saying or singing and describes sound effects on stage.
Tactile Tours
Presented prior to certain audio described performances, tactile tours feature an in-depth discussion of a play’s visual elements with a member of each show’s creative team, a guided tour of the set and key prop and costume pieces, and an opportunity to meet the cast for an introduction to their characters and physical descriptions.
Service Animals
Animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities are welcome at all performances. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we may ensure both you and your service animal are seated comfortably.
